Guestroom telephone having single action message retrieval

ABSTRACT

A telephone system is operatively coupled to a private automatic branch exchange (PABX) system and to a voice mail system, where the telephone system permits a user to retrieve recorded voice messages from the voice mail system. The telephone system includes one or more telephones, where each telephone further includes a handset, a message waiting indicator configured to inform the user that the voice message is pending with the voice mail system, a message retrieval key for retrieving the voice message from the voice mail system, and an audio speaker configured to provide the user with audio output corresponding to the voice message. A single action by the user of activating the message retrieval key causes the voice message to be retrieved and the audio speaker to be automatically activated such that the voice message is output on the audio speaker without the user lifting the handset.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from provisionalapplication Serial No. 60/240,726, filed Oct. 16, 2000, entitled RemoteSpeed-dial Key Programming System For Guestroom Telephones, and alsoclaims the benefit of priority from provisional application Serial No.60/240,779, filed Oct. 16, 2000, entitled Guestroom Telephone HavingOne-Touch Message Retrieval System. Provisional application Serial No.60/240,726, filed Oct. 16, 2000 and Provisional application Serial No.60/240,779, filed Oct. 16, 2000 are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. This application is also related to Design Pat. No.D448,011 issued Sep. 18, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a telephones havingmessage retrieval capability and more specifically to guestroomtelephones that facilitate retrieval of stored messages by a singleaction by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is well know that telephone systems may be connected to voicemail systems so that voice mail messages may be retrieved by the user.Often, the voice mail systems are associated with private automaticbranch exchanges (PABX). This is often the case in commercialenvironments, such as in offices, industrial environments, and thehospitality environments, such as in hotels and the like.

[0004] In many residential applications, voice mail services aretypically offered by the telephone service provider or PSTN (PublicSwitched Telephone Network) or equivalent. To retrieve messages via theresidential telephone, the user may dial the central telephone number oraccess number of the voice mail system, and upon receipt of a prompt,the user then enters the residential telephone number to identify aparticular “mail box.” Entry of a password is also typically required.The message is then played back. Alternatively, if the user is callingfrom the residential telephone corresponding to the mail box number(i.e., typically the user's home telephone), the user may dial “*98,”which in some systems, retrieves the messages.

[0005] It is also known that telephones may include a speakerphone,which permits the user to listen to the audio output without placing thehandset next to the ear. The speakerphone is typically activated bydepressing a specific “speakerphone” button or “speaker” key. Once thespeaker function is activated, the user may use the keys to dial atelephone number, and will hear the DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency)tones through the speaker. All voice communication will also be heardthrough the speaker.

[0006] Retrieval of voice mail messages in commercial, industrial andhospitality environments may be slightly less complex than retrieval ofmessages in the residential environment because telephones in suchenvironments may include one button or key that automatically causes thetelephone to connect with the corresponding PABX system. Thus, the usermay lift the handset and depress the appropriate message retrieval keyto retrieve the stored messages.

[0007] Although the above methods and systems permit the user toretrieve voice mail messages, such systems are somewhat inconvenientbecause the user must perform several actions before the voice mailmessage can be retrieved. As described above, in a residential telephonesystem, the user must lift the handset and then dial the correcttelephone (along with the correct access code and password) to retrievethe messages. However, at least several actions are required, that is,the user must either lift the handset, and then contact the voice mailsystem. Accordingly, at least two or more separate actions are required.

[0008] Similarly, in some commercial environments, the user may alsolift the handset and then dial the correct telephone to connect to thevoice mail system. Often, once the user has lifted the handset, he orshe may depress an additional button to connect to the voice mail systemto retrieve the messages. The second button is often a “speed-dial”button, which causes automatic dialing of the correct sequence ofnumbers to effect connection and retrieval of the stored voice mailmessages. At least two actions are required, that is, the user musteither lift the handset, and then must depress a second key (speed-dialkey) to contact the voice mail system and retrieve the messages, whichare played back. Again, the above described method requires at least twoseparate actions by the user. It is therefore desirable to provide atelephone system that permits a user to retrieve voice mail messages viaa single user action.

[0009] As described above, telephones systems in commercialenvironments, such as in offices, industrial environments, and thehospitality environments, such as in hotels, and the like, are usuallyconnected to voice mail systems associated with private automatic branchexchanges (PABX). However, depending upon the age of the equipment, suchPABX systems may utilize different technology for issuing the messagewaiting signal. If a hotel updates its PABX equipment, often all of thetelephones must be replaced to maintain compatibility with the messagewaiting signal. This can be very expensive. It is therefore desirable tohave a telephone that responds to a variety of message waiting signalssent from a PABX.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The disadvantages of present telephone systems are substantiallyovercome with the present invention by providing a novel guestroomtelephone that permits a user to retrieve stored voice mail messagesthrough a signal action, namely, depressing a single button or key. Theuser need not lift the handset.

[0011] Known guestroom telephone systems require the user to performseveral actions to retrieve stored voice mail messages. The presentinvention permits the user to retrieve voice mail messages though oneaction and only one action, that is, by depressing a single button orkey. Upon depression of the “message retrieval” key, the telephone sendsthe correct sequence of DTMF tones to the PABX. This causes the PABX toretrieve and playback the stored messages corresponding to theparticular hotel room. Simultaneously, the speaker portion of thetelephone is activated to that the message is heard through the speaker.The user need not pick up the handset and then depress a messageretrieval key. It is much more convenient that the user can depress onlya single button to perform the desired task, rather than depressing twoor more buttons.

[0012] More specifically, a telephone system according to one embodimentof the present invention is operatively coupled to a private automaticbranch exchange (PABX) system and to a voice mail system, where thetelephone system permits a user to retrieve recorded voice messages fromthe voice mail system. The telephone system includes one or moretelephones, where each telephone further includes a handset, a messagewaiting indicator configured to inform the user that the voice messageis pending with the voice mail system, a message retrieval key forretrieving the voice message from the voice mail system, and an audiospeaker configured to provide the user with audio output correspondingto the voice message. A single action by the user of activating themessage retrieval key causes the voice message to be retrieved and theaudio speaker to be automatically activated such that the voice messageis output on the audio speaker without the user lifting the handset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The features of the present invention which are believed to benovel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Theinvention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following description inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a telephonesystem, according to the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of aguestroom telephone particularly illustrating the message waiting touchbar;

[0016]FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the guestroom telephoneshown in FIG. 2 particularly illustrating components located under themessage waiting touch bar;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a guestroomtelephone;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a guestroomtelephone showing additional connections between the blocks shown inFIG. 4;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific embodiment of amessage retrieval program in the guestroom telephone;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a specific embodiment of amessage waiting light controller circuit shown in FIG. 4;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram illustrating a specific embodiment ofa high voltage message waiting light signal;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram illustrating a specific embodiment ofa low voltage message waiting light signal;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a telephonesystem with remote speed-dial programming capability, according to thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of atelephone system with remote speed-dial programming capability,according to the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of a guestroomtelephone having remote speed-dial programming capability;

[0026]FIGS. 13a and 13 b are two sheets of a single flowchartillustrating a specific embodiment of a speed-dial programming sequence,as performed by the guestroom telephone;

[0027]FIGS. 14 and 15 are computer generated screen outputs created bysoftware running on the remote computer;

[0028]FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a specific embodiment of the remoteprogramming modem shown connected to the remote computer; and

[0029]FIGS. 17a and 17 b are two sheets of a single flowchartillustrating a specific embodiment of a speed-dial programming sequence,as performed by the remote computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In this written description, the use of the disjunctive isintended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinitearticles in not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, areference to “the” object or thing or “an” object or “a” thing isintended to also describe a plurality of such objects or things.

[0031] It is to be further understood that the title of this section ofthe specification, namely, “Detailed Description of the Invention”relates to Rules of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is notintended to, does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subjectmatter disclosed herein or the scope of the invention.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, a telephone system 10 is showngenerally. The telephone system 10 includes a private automatic branchexchange (PABX or PABX) 12 connected to an external telephone network orpublic switched telephone network (PSTN) 14 by a plurality of trunklines 16. The PABX 12 preferably includes a voice mail system 18 forrecording, saving and playing back voice messages. One or more guestroomtelephones 20 are coupled to the PABX 12. Each guestroom telephone 20includes a message waiting light 26 and a message retrieval touch bar28. The telephone system 10 is configured to be operatively coupled tothe private automatic branch exchange 12 and to the voice mail system18, where the voice mail system 18 permits the user to retrieve therecorded voice messages.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the telephones may be guestroomtelephones 20 corresponding to the telephone(s) in each room of ahospitality-based establishment, such as in a hotel. Multiple guestroomtelephones 20 may exist in each room, and may have the same telephonenumber (extensions), or may have different telephone numbers. Of course,the present invention may be implemented in other environments, such asin commercial establishments, such as in offices, and in industrialenvironments, such as in factories. For purposes of illustration only,the telephones shall be referred to as guestroom telephones 20, but may,for example, represent a plurality of telephones in a factory.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a specificenvironment as described herein.

[0034] As is known in the art, the PABX 12 may include the voice mailsystem 18. Typically, when a caller places a call to the user'stelephone, and the user does not answer the telephone within certainnumber of rings, if activated, the voice mail system 18 will interceptthe call. The voice mail system 18 typically issues a greeting to thecaller, which greeting may have been pre-recorded by the user, or may bea system message or generic message generated by the voice mail system18. After the greeting is played, the caller is given an opportunity toleave a message, which is then recorded. After the caller leaves themessage, the PABX 12 causes the message waiting light to be activated onthe guestroom telephone 20 to inform the user that a voice mail messageis pending. When a message has been stored in a “voice mailbox” for theguest, one or more lights or the message waiting indicators 26 locatedunder the message retrieval bar 28 begin to blink, visually signalingthe user that a message for that particular guestroom has been received.To retrieve the stored messages, the hotel guest need only lightlydepress the message retrieval touch bar 28, as is described in greaterdetail below.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the guestroom telephone 20 is showngenerally in FIG. 2. The guestroom telephone 20 includes a telephonecase or housing 30, which houses all of components, and which housingmay be formed of plastic or metal, as is known in the art. The telephone20 further includes a handset 32, a keypad 34, a plurality of specialbuttons 36, and the message retrieval touch bar 28 or button. Thetelephone case 30 includes a top surface portion 38 and a front wallportion 46 that downwardly depends from the top surface portion 38, andextends around a perimeter 48 of the top surface portion 38. The frontwall portion 46 may be curved as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the message retrieval touch bar 28 ispreferably in the form of a wide, red, back-lighted translucent lens orshell located on a front edge portion 50 of the telephone case 30, andmay be in the shape of an elongated rectangular bar, but may be of anysuitable shape. It may be formed of plastic and is preferably a thintranslucent lens or shell, but may be clear or frosted. Preferably, themessage retrieval touch bar 28 is about two inches in length.Preferably, the message retrieval touch bar 28 is located toward thefront portion 50 of the telephone housing 30 along a centrallongitudinal axis 52 of the telephone housing 30. Due to the location ofthe message retrieval touch bar 28 on the telephone housing 30, lightemitted by the message waiting indicators 26 located under the touch bar28 is easily visible to the user when viewed from both a top perspectiveand a side perspective relative to the telephone housing 30. As shown inFIG. 3, the message retrieval touch bar is shown as translucent forpurposes of illustration only so as to permit viewing of the componentsthereunder.

[0037] The message retrieval touch bar 28 includes a first planarportion 54 and a second planar portion 56 depending downwardly from thesecond planar portion 56. It is preferably formed as a one piece rigidconstruction such that the first planar portion 54 and second planarportion 56 are joined along a common edge 58, at an angle of aboutbetween seventy-five degrees and one-hundred and forty-five degrees. Thecommon edge 58 may be curved to conform to the curved contour of thefront wall portion 46, or may include a bevel 60.

[0038] The message retrieval touch bar 28 is received within a recess 66or cut-away portion of the top surface portion 38 and the front wallportion 46 so that the first planar portion 54 is substantially coplanarwith the top surface portion 38 of the telephone, and the second planarportion 56 is substantially coplanar with the front wall portion 46 ofthe telephone. Note that the first and second planar portions 54, 56need not be exactly flat, but may have a curved or sloping contour foraesthetic reasons. Alternately, the first and second planar portions 54,56 may protrude or be slightly raised from the plane of the top surfaceportion 38 and the front wall portion 46, or may be slightly recessedfrom the plane of the top surface portion 38 and front wall portion 46.Within the recess 66 are two switches 68 disposed at opposite lateraledges of the recess 66, which are preferably push-button type momentarycontact switches 68, as are known to one skilled in the art. Because theswitches 68 are disposed at opposite lateral edges, finger pressureanywhere along the message retrieval touch bar 28 causes activation ofone or both of the switches 68, which in turn activate the messageretrieval function.

[0039] The message retrieval touch bar 28 preferably includes two ormore hinges 70 that permit the message retrieval touch bar 28 to pivotor flex relative to the top surface portion 38 of the telephone 20. Inoperation, when the user depresses the message retrieval touch bar 28,the light finger pressure causes the message retrieval touch bar 28 tocontact one or both of the two switches 68. Because the switches 68 areconnected in parallel and are disposed at opposite lateral edges of therecess 66, depression of the message retrieval touch bar 28 anywherealong its surface causes activation of at least one of the switches 68.This, in turn, causes the stored voice mail message to be retrieved, asdescribed herein. Alternately, only one switch may be located in therecess 66 without changing the general function of the telephone.

[0040] Once either of the two switches 68 is closed, the guestroomtelephone 20 sends a preprogrammed sequence of stored DTMF tones to thehotel PABX 12 and the voice mail system 18. When received by the hotelPABX 12, the DTMF tones command the PABX and voice mail system 18 toretrieve and playback the stored messages for the correspondingguestroom telephone 20, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0041] The two light emitting elements or the message waiting indicators26 are located within the recess 66, namely an LED 72 and a neon lamp74. Such message waiting indicators 72, 74 inform the user that a voicemessage is pending. The term “message waiting indicators 26” is usedinterchangeably with the LED 72 and the neon lamp 74. Note that asdescribed above, the message retrieval touch bar 28 is preferably red incolor and translucent, and because it is disposed directly over themessage waiting indicators 72, 74, it appears to glow or emit light wheneither of the message waiting indicators 72, 74 are lit, thus alertingthe user that a message is waiting. When the message waiting indicators72, 74 are lit, a portion of the light emitted by the message waitingindicators illuminate a portion of the message retrieval touch bar 28.Accordingly, the glowing message retrieval touch bar is highly visible.

[0042] The message retrieval touch bar 28 is preferably formed as a lensso as to concentrate the light emitted. Preferably, the neon lamp 74 ispositioned lengthways across the red translucent message retrieval touchbar 28 so as to permit the maximum possible amount of light from theneon lamp 74 to pass through the message retrieval touch bar 28. Notethat because of the size, shape, and intense red color of the messageretrieval touch bar 28, the light produced by the LED 72 and the neonlamp 74 is very bright and easy to see, even in a brightly lighted room.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of the guestroomtelephone 20 is shown. The guestroom telephone 20 includes the followingblocks or circuits: a ringer circuit 76, a polarity guard circuit 78, ahook switch control and audio interface circuit 80, a DTMF generator 82,a microprocessor circuit 84 or controller (with memory 86), aspeakerphone circuit 88 (with a microphone 96 and a speaker 98), aspeech network circuit 100 (with a handset 32 and a hook switch 104), auser dial pad 106 and speed-dial and memory 86 keys, a message waitinglight controller circuit 110 (including the message waiting indicators26 or lights, the message retrieval touch bar 28 and the switches 68).

[0044] Some of the blocks or circuits shown in FIG. 4 and describedherein are known and are used in commercially available telephones. Suchknown circuits include the ringer circuit 76, the polarity guard circuit78, the hook switch control and audio interface circuit 80, the DTMFgenerator 82, the speakerphone 88 circuit (with microphone 96 andspeaker 98), the speech network circuit 100 (with handset 32 and hookswitch 104), and the user dial pad 106 and memory 86 keys.

[0045] The ringer circuit 76 may be a single integrated circuit thatresponds to a 20 Hz. AC signal present on the telephone lines, referredto as the tip and ring telephone lines 116. Any suitable commerciallyavailable ringer circuit 76 may be used. For example, the model LS 1240ringer circuit 76 manufactured by Thomson Electronics may be used. Thepolarity guard 78 may be implemented as a bridge rectifier and isconnected to the tip and ring lines 116, as is known in the art. Thepolarity guard 78 insures proper operation of the telephone even if theconnection to the tip and ring lines 116 are reversed by improperconnection. The polarity guard 78 maintains the telephone connection as“polarity independent.”

[0046] The hook switch control and audio interface circuit 80 ispreferably an electronic switch circuit, meaning that the actual hookswitch 104 does not cause direct electrical connection or closure withrespect to the telephone circuitry. Rather, the hook switch 104, whichis a mechanical switch, is connected to the microprocessor 84. Themicroprocessor 84, in turn, senses when the mechanical hook switch 104is open or closed, and sends the appropriate signal to the hook switchcontrol and audio interface circuit 80 in response thereto. The audiointerface portion of the hook switch control and audio interface circuit80 handles implementation of full duplex audio communication, as isknown in the art.

[0047] The speech network circuit 100 may be coupled to the handset 32,and controls the various ways in which the audio signals are directed tothe handset 32. The DTMF generator 82, which is controlled by themicroprocessor 84, may be any suitable commercially available DTMFgenerator, as is known in the art. The DTMF generator 82 generates thedual tone frequency signals in response to depression of the variousdial pad keys 106, 86 on the telephone, which may include a speakerphonekey 120 (FIG. 4). The DTMF generator 82 is also coupled to the hookswitch control and audio interface circuit 80 so that the tones areproperly conditioned with respect to amplitude. The speakerphone circuit88 receives signals from the hook switch control and audio interfacecircuit 104. The audio speaker 98 may be any suitable speaker, such as aloud speaker, a piezo-electric element, a electrostatic element, atweeter, a woofer, a horn speaker, a moving coil speaker, and the like.

[0048] The message waiting light controller circuit 110 receives inputsignals from the polarity guard 78 and, in turn, issues signals to themessage waiting indicators 26, as will be described in greater detailbelow. The two switches 68 located under the message retrieval touch bar28 are connected to the microprocessor 84. The microprocessor circuit 84controls the functions of the guestroom telephone 20. The microprocessor84 includes the memory 86, such as EEPROM, and may also include RAM,ROM, EARPROM and the like, as well as input/output circuitry 122, suchas I/O ports. The microprocessor 84 receives signals from the switches68 and from the user dial pad 106 and other various special buttons 86.Any suitable microprocessor may be used. For example, the microprocessormay be a controller, computer, CPU (central processing unit), RISCprocessor, single-chip computer, distributed processor, server,micro-controller, controller, discrete logic computer and the like. Themicroprocessor 84 may have the memory 86, the I/O posts 122 and othersupport functions integrated into a single chip or board, or may havesuch functionality included in chips or devices separate and apart fromthe microprocessor.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, note that FIG. 5 includes some of thesame or similar blocks or circuits as is shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly,such similar blocks shall be identified by like reference numbers. FIG.5 includes additional detail with respect to the connection between theblocks or circuits shown in FIG. 4. As described above, the two switches68 are located directly under the message waiting touch bar (FIGS. 3 and8). As shown pictorially in FIG. 3 and shown schematically in FIG. 5,the two switches 68 are connected parallel and are connected to amessage bar input I/O (input/output) pin 126 of the microprocessor. Wheneither or both of the switches 68 are closed, the microprocessor 84executes a “message retrieval” program stored in memory, which programis described in conjunction with the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, whereinthe various “steps” are indicated.

[0050] The message retrieval sequence program executed by themicroprocessor 84 and shown in FIG. 6 may occur even when the telephoneis in the on-hook condition. The program begins at a step 130. When thetelephone is in the on-hook condition and the message retrieval touchbar 28 has not been depressed, as shown in a “no” branch 132 of a step134, the software resident in the microprocessor memory 86 branches to astep 136 to determine if the handset 32 has been lifted or thespeakerphone key 120 (FIG. 4) has been depressed. If the handset 32 hasnot been lifted and the speakerphone key 120 has not been depressed, thesoftware branches back to the idle condition, as shown in a “no” branch138 of the step 136. The standard or normal operation of the guestroomtelephone 20, as shown in a step 140 occurs when the handset 32 has beenlifted or the speaker key 120 has been depressed, as shown in a “yes”branch 142 of the step 136.

[0051] When the message retrieval touch bar 28 is depressed, as shown ina “yes” branch 144 of the step 134, the microprocessor 84 issues asignal on an off-hook output I/O pin 146 to place the telephone in theoff-hook condition, as shown in a step 148. Simultaneously, themicroprocessor places the telephone in a speakerphone mode by activatinga “speaker-on” output I/O pin 150 of the microprocessor 84, as shown ina step 154.

[0052] Activation of the speaker-on output I/O pin 150 causes thespeakerphone circuit 88 to turn on, while the off-hook output signaldirects the hook switch and audio control circuit 88 to place thetelephone in the off-hook condition. Next, as shown in a step 156, themicroprocessor 84 retrieves stored dialing data from memory or EEPROMmemory 86, and sends the appropriate logic commands to the DTMFgenerator 82, as shown in a step 158. The DTMF generator 82 thentransmits a preprogrammed series of DTMF tones to the hotel PABX 12through the phone lines 116 (FIG. 4) to facilitate the retrieval of thevoice messages.

[0053] This sequence of DTMF tones can include “flash” and “pause”commands as well as digits 0-9, *, and #. In some PABX 12 and voice-mailsystems 18 (FIG. 1), it may necessary to first dial the voice mailsystem's telephone extension number, then pause for between one and tenseconds to allow the voice-mail system sufficient time to answer anddial the specific pass-code for the guestroom's extension.

[0054] A “pause” period may be required because the PABX 12 and thevoice-mail systems 18 (FIG. 1) may be two separate units, rather thanone integrated system. The “pause” command in the dialing sequenceprovides sufficient time for the voice mail system 18 to receive andrespond to the DTMF commands, which cause the voice mail system toplayback the recorded messages. By providing a “pause” function that canbe stored into the pre-programmed DTMF sequence, any necessary pausescan easily be programmed to ensure trouble-free operation of voice mailmessage playback. Preferably, the stored DTMF command sequence maycontain up to sixteen digits, including “flash” and “pause” commands.Each “pause” command halts further DTMF transmissions for about 3.6seconds. When the hotel PABX 12 (FIG. 1) receives the first portion ofthe sequence of pre-programmed DTMF signals from the guestroom telephone20, it contacts or calls the voice mail system 18. The second portion ofthe pre-programmed DTMF sequence, after a sufficient pause time, is thentransmitted to the voice-mail system by the PABX 12. The DTMF sequencethen causes the playback of the stored voice messages to the guest inthe room, as shown in a step 160.

[0055] At this time, the DTMF generator 82 becomes idle and the userhears the stored messages played back through the speakerphone circuit88, as shown in the step 160. Note that the user may listen to thestored messages without pressing any other keys on the telephone andwithout lifting the handset 32. Should the user wish to listen to themessages privately, the user need only lift the handset 32. When thehandset 32 is lifted, the speakerphone circuit 88 turns off the speaker98, and all audio transmission may be heard via the handset 32.

[0056] It is noted that unlike known telephones, the present inventiononly requires a single action by the user, that is, depressing a messageretrieval touch bar 28 to permit the user to retrieve his or her storedmessages. The single action by the user of activating the messageretrieval touch bar 28 causes the voice message to be retrieved and theaudio speaker 98 to be automatically activated such that the voicemessage is output on the audio speaker 98 without the user lifting thehandset 32. The user need not first lift the handset 32 then depress anadditional key to effect retrieval of the messages. In the presentinvention, single depression of the message retrieval touch bar 28causes the telephone to transmit the DTMF signals to the PABX, whichcauses the PABX 12 or voice mail system 18 to retrieve and transmit thevoice messages to the guestroom telephone 20.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7, the message waiting lightcontroller circuit 110 of FIG. 4 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7.As described above, PABX switchboards generally provide the capabilityto send signals to the guestroom telephone 20 to alert the user that avoice message is pending. Such PABX systems may cause the messagewaiting indicators 72, 74 on the guestroom telephone 20 to blink.However, due to the large number of different technologies and differenttypes of PABX systems in use, there are several different signalingmethods between the PABX and guestroom telephone 20 in wide usage.

[0058] The message waiting light controller circuit 110 in conjunctionwith the mechanical and physical construction of the message retrievaltouch bar 28, as described above, maximizes the amount of visible lightemitted by the message waiting lights 72, 74. The message waiting lightcontroller circuit 110 also minimizes current drain from the telephoneline 116, thus permitting several telephones to be connected to the sametelephone line in parallel such that the message waiting indicators 72,74 of all of the parallel guestroom telephones will function with fullbrightness and without excessive drain on the telephone line.

[0059] The message waiting light controller circuit 110 receives andautomatically decodes a variety of different PABX message waitingindicator control signals, including a high-voltage or neon-type signal,and a low-voltage or LED type signal, without modification orcustomization of the existing guestroom telephone 20 or the PABX. Nointernal switching or reconfiguration, such as setting various switches,is needed. This greatly simplifies telephone installation or thereforereplacement for the hotel, and reduces time, labor, and equipment costsassociated therewith. In operation, when a message for the guest isreceived, either the desk clerk or the automated attendant softwareinstalled in the hotel voice mail system 18 sends a “message-waitinglight on” command for the particular room number to the PABX 12 system.

[0060] The message-waiting light on command causes the PABX 12 to sendout a periodic electronic signal (“message waiting light signal) overthe telephone line 116 coupled to the hotel room containing theguestroom telephone 20. When the message waiting light controllercircuit 110 receives the message waiting light signal, the messagewaiting indicators 72, 74 blink periodically, for example, every fewseconds. The message waiting indicators 72, 74 are operatively coupledto the message waiting controller circuit 110 and are responsivethereto.

[0061] Because there are two different types of message waiting lightsignals commonly issued by PABX units installed in hotels, the guestroomtelephone 20 includes two different light-producing devices mountedunder the red message retrieval touch-bar 28, namely the neon lamp 74and the LED 72. Referring now to FIG. 7, a conventional the neon lamp 74connected directly across the incoming tip and ring telephone line 116is shown with a series current limiting resistor R1 (200). The resistorR1 (200) limits the maximum current flow through the neon lamp 74 toapproximately 1 mA. The neon lamp 74 will light when the DC voltage onthe telephone line 116 rises from the standard 48 volts to approximately120 volts DC while the telephone is in an “on-hook” condition.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, a graphical representation of thevoltage waveform for a high-voltage message waiting light signal 210 isshown in FIG. 8. When the tip-ring voltage rises from 48 to 120 volts,the neon lamp 74 conducts and becomes illuminated. Typically, the highvoltage message waiting light signal 210 produced by PABX systems is onewhere the DC voltage across the telephone line 116 momentarily risesfrom 48 volts to 120 volts for about 0.5 seconds, and occursperiodically about every 2 to 4 seconds.

[0063] Some newer PABX systems, however, employ an alternate type ofmessage waiting light signal, referred to as a low-voltage or LEDmessage waiting light signal 212, as shown geographically in FIG. 9. Oneform of the low voltage message waiting light signal 212 produced byPABX systems is one where the DC voltage across the telephone line 116momentarily drops from 48 volts to 0 volts for about 0.5 seconds, andoccurs periodically about every 2 to 4 seconds.

[0064] The low voltage message waiting signal 212 is not compatible withtelephones only having the neon lamp 74, and such a signal will fail tocause the neon lamp 74 to light up. Accordingly, newer PABX systemscannot be used with guestroom telephones that only have a neon lamp 74type message waiting indicator. For example, if a hotel upgrades thePABX equipment, all guestroom telephones having only a neon lamp must bereplaced. This can be very costly. In the present invention, however,the message waiting light controller circuit 110 receives and recognizesboth the high voltage message waiting light signal 210 (neon lamp 74)and the low voltage message waiting light signal 212 (LED 72).Accordingly, the message waiting light controller circuit 110 isconfigured to receive and recognize the message waiting signals sent bythe PABX in a plurality of formats.

[0065] As described above, the low voltage message waiting light signal212 is received over the tip and ring lines 116 of the incomingtelephone lines. The low voltage message waiting light signal 212 isrouted to a polarity protection rectifier, referred to a bridgerectifier 218. The bridge rectifier 218 is composed of diodes D1 (220),D2 (226), D3 (228), and D4 (230). An output of the bridge rectifier 218will always be a positive DC voltage or 0 volts, depending on the stateof the low-voltage message waiting signal 212. When the telephonehandset 32 is in the “on-hook” state, the voltage at a positive outputterminal 232 of the bridge rectifier 218 is normally about 48 volts.This voltage is dropped across a zener diode Z1 (236), where the maximumcurrent flow limited by a series resistor R2 (238). The series resistorR2 (238) is in turn connected to a positive terminal 240 of a capacitorC1 (242), which may be for example, a 10 uF capacitor. By droppingapproximately 27 volts across the zener diode Z1 (236), the LED 72 willnot produce any nuisance or spurious flashes while the telephone is inthe off-hook condition because the voltage from tip to ring is alwaysless than 15 to 18 volts whenever the telephone is in the off-hookcondition.

[0066] When in the normal on-hook condition, the positive terminal 240of the capacitor C1 (242) will quickly charge up to a voltage ofapproximately 21 volts DC. The resistor R2 (238) is sufficiently largeso as to maintain the maximum instantaneous charging current of thecapacitor C1 (242) under approximately 1 mA. This minimizes the load onthe PABX telephone lines 116 and permits several telephones to operatein parallel on the same telephone line without loss of performance orexcessive drain. A negative output 244 of the polarity protection bridgerectifier 218 is connected to a cathode terminal 248 of a zener diode Z2(250). An anode 254 of the zener diode Z2 (250) is connected to anegative terminal 258 of the capacitor C1 (242) so that when currentflows into the positive terminal 240 of the capacitor C1 (242) throughthe resistor R2 (238), the zener diode Z2 (250) will conduct in theforward biased direction, and the negative terminal 258 of the capacitorC1 (242) will be held to a DC voltage no greater than 1 volt above thenegative output of the bridge rectifier 218.

[0067] When the tip and ring voltage briefly drops to 0 volts, thusactivating the message waiting indicators 72, 74, the DC voltage at theoutput 232, 244 of polarity protection bridge rectifier 218 will alsomomentarily drop to 0 volts, due to the loading action of a resistor R3(260). At such time, the forward current flow through the zener diode Z2(250) stops. The resistor R3 (260) preferably has a value of severalmegaohms so as to reduce loading on the PABX telephone lines 116. AnN-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET transistor Q1 (268), having a gateterminal 270, a source terminal 272 and drain terminal 274 is shownconnected between the LED 72 and the zener diode Z2 (250). Because thecapacitor C1 (242) now maintains a charge of at least 20 volts, even asmall amount of current flow through the resistor R3 (260) willmomentarily raise the voltage at the gate 270 of the MOSFET Q1 (268) toapproximately 18 volts.

[0068] To protect the MOSFET Q1 (268) from possible transient damage,the zener diode Z2 (250), which is now reverse biased, prevents thegate-to-source voltage on the MOSFET Q1 (268) from rising above 18volts. The source terminal 272 of the MOSFET Q1 (268) is connected tothe negative terminal 258 of the capacitor C1 (242), while the gateterminal 270 of the MOSFET Q1 (268) is connected to the resistor R3(260) and to the cathode 248 of the zener diode Z2 (250). When the gatevoltage of the MOSFET Q1 (268) rises to 18 volts, the MOSFET Q1 (268)turns on and conducts. The LED 72, which is preferably red in color, isconnected to the drain terminal 274 of the MOSFET Q1 (268), and thestored charge in the capacitor C1 (242) flows through the LED 72 intothe drain terminal 274 of MOSFET Q1 (268), causing the LED 72 to emit aburst of bright red light. At the end of the low-voltage message waitinglight signal (zero volt pulse), the polarity of the voltage on the zenerdiode Z2 (250) reverses, the MOSFET Q1 (268) turns off, and thecapacitor C1 (242) again begins to charge up to about 20 volts. Thiscycle repeats each time the incoming phone line voltage drops to 0volts, causing repetitive blinking of the LED 72 located under themessage retrieval touch bar 28.

[0069] A transistor Q2 (276) and a resistor R4 (278) in the sourcecircuit of the MOSFET Q1 (268) limit the maximum current flow throughthe LED 72. This maintains the maximum possible brightness of the LED72. Other known message waiting light circuits using capacitors and LEDslack a mechanism to tightly control the maximum peak current flowingthrough the LED 72.

[0070] The LED 72 is preferably a commercially available high-efficiencyLED, which LED typically reach maximum brightness with a current flow ofno more than 10 to 20 mA. There is no advantage to permit the currentflow through this type of LED to increase above 20 mA, as this maydamage the LED, and will not increase the output brightness. By limitingthe maximum current flowing through the LED 72 to 20 mA or less, thelength of the pulse of light produced by the LED as the capacitor C1(242) discharges is greatly increased relative to known circuits. Thisimproves the perceived brightness of the LED 72 when it flashes.

[0071] The value of the resistor R4 (278) is chosen so that when 20 mAflows through the LED 72 and the MOSFET Q1 (268), the voltage dropacross the resistor R4 (278) becomes high enough to cause the NPNbipolar transistor Q2 (276) to conduct, thus reducing the gate voltageon the MOSFET Q1 (268) as needed to hold the current flow through theresistor R4 (278), the MOSFET Q1 (268), and the LED 72, to 20 mA orless. The current limiting effect of this circuit permits the LED 72 toblink brightly even when the on-hook tip-ring supply voltage from thePABX to the guestroom telephone 20 is considerably greater or lower thanthe typical 48 volts DC. For example, the brightness of the LED 72 ismaintained substantially constant during blinking even though theon-hook tip-to-ring voltage ranges between 28 volts and 55 volts.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, these figures show a telephonesystem 282 with remote speed-dial programming capability, generally.Some of the components shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are similar to thecomponents shown in FIG. 1, and accordingly will be given like referencenumerals.

[0073] The specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 shows, forexample, the PABX 12 located in a hotel or other hospitalityenvironment, and connected to the PSTN 14 by trunk the lines 16. At theother end of the PSTN, a computer or remote computer 284 is coupled tothe PSTN 14 via a remote speed-dial programming modem 286. The remotecomputer 284 may be a personal computer, as is known in the art.However, any suitable computer may be used, such as an IBM brandcompatible personal computer, having for example, a Pentium®microprocessor running under Windows® Unix and the like. The remotecomputer 284 may also be an APPLE® compatible personal computer.Additionally, the remote computer 284 may incorporate the remotespeed-dial programming modem 286, and need not be separate and aparttherefrom.

[0074] The computer may be remotely located from the guestroom telephone20 and may connect to the guestroom telephone 20 through the PSTN 14.Such remote speed-dial programming of the guestroom telephone 20 mayaccordingly be performed from a remote location, such as from a fieldoffice, by placing a telephone call to the hotel PABX through the PSTN.Remote speed-dial programming may permit the remote computer 284 toprogram each guestroom telephone 20 with speed-dial data automaticallyand without intervention by hotel technicians.

[0075] In one specific embodiment, the PABX 12 may be configured to haveits automated attendant answer on an incoming trunk line that is usedfor remote programming of the guestroom telephones 20. In this way, theextension number of the guestroom telephone 20 to be remotely programmedcan be directly dialed by the remote computer 284. A connection is madefrom the PSTN 14 and hotel PABX 12 directly to the guestroom telephone20, and the speed-dial programming is performed. Various “handshake”signals are exchanged between the remote computer 284 and the guestroomtelephone 20 to confirm that all speed-dial data has been accuratelyreceived and stored inside the guestroom telephone 20, as will bedescribed in greater detail below. This process is then repeated foreach guestroom telephone 20 to be remotely programmed with speed-dialdata.

[0076] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the remote computer284 and the remote speed-dial programming modem 286 may be physicallylocated inside the hotel, and may be connected to an available extensionline 288 on the hotel PABX 12. For example, the remote computer 284 andthe remote speed-dial programming modem 286 may reside in the manager'soffice or in the “telephone room.” In this case, only the extensionnumber for each guestroom telephone 20 to be remotely programmed need bedialed. Preferably, speed-dial programming is performed at times whenthe guestroom is unoccupied. Because, however, most hotel switchboardsystems include voice mail systems that automatically answer incomingvoice calls to the guest room, such systems must be turned off whenspeed-dial programming is desired.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 12, 13a and 13 b, FIG. 12 is a blockdiagram of an alternate embodiment of the guestroom telephone 20, whileFIGS. 13a and 13 b illustrate a single flowchart of the steps that maybe performed by the microprocessor or controller 84 in the guestroomtelephone 20 to effect programming of the guestroom telephone 20. FIGS.12, 13a and 13 b should be viewed together. Note that some of thecomponents shown in FIG. 12 are similar to the components shown in FIG.4, and accordingly will be given like reference numerals.

[0078] As shown in a step 300, the software executed by themicroprocessor 84 in the guestroom telephone 20 is initially in an idlemode. In one specific embodiment, the housekeeping staff may optionally“enable” remote programming for each guestroom telephone 20 to beprogrammed or reprogrammed. This may be performed on each guestroomtelephone 20 by a simple key sequence, which does not require removal ofthe faceplate overlay. Note that no speed-dial programming is done atthis point—only enabling of the guestroom telephone 20 to permit remoteprogramming. This can be done quickly and easily by the housekeepingstaff without special training or technical skill. Enabling the remoteprogramming mode causes the microprocessor 84 to set an “enable ringdetection flag.”

[0079] The guestroom telephone 20 includes a ring detection circuit orcall recognition circuit 302 operatively coupled to the ringer circuit76. The ringer circuit 76 causes a warbling sound to be emitted when theguestroom telephone 20 rings, as is known in the art. The ring detectioncircuit 302 determines when the guestroom telephone 20 has been ringing,but has not been answered for a period of about thirty seconds. In onespecific embodiment, the ring detection circuit is coupled to an RDinput pin 304 of the microprocessor 84. When a ringing signal reachesthe guestroom telephone 20, the guestroom telephone 20 rings as itnormally would, but the microprocessor 84 begins “counting” of a thirtysecond time period. Of course, the time period may be varied.

[0080] If the programming mode for guestroom telephone 20 has beenenabled, as described above, the guestroom telephone 20 enters the ringdetection phase, as shown in a “yes” branch 306 of a step 307. If thehandset 32 is picked up in less than thirty seconds of ringing, or ifthe ringing signal terminates in less than thirty seconds, the ringdetection circuit 302 signals the microprocessor 84 via the RD input pin304 that the ringing has stopped. The microprocessor 84 then resets itsthirty second timer, and the software again enters the idle mode 300, asshown in a “no” branch 308 of the step 307. The guestroom telephone 20then continues to operate in a “standard” or “normal” telephone mode.Note that ring detection circuit 302 may be part of the microprocessor84 or may be separate and discrete from the microprocessor.

[0081] In operation, after the remote programming mode has been“enabled” as described above, if the guestroom telephone 20 rings formore than thirty seconds without being answered, as shown in a “yes”branch 310 of a step 312, the microprocessor 84 enters a “programmingmode.” The microprocessor 84 then takes the phone “off-hook” (a step318) by outputting a signal on an HF output pin 320 to the hook switchcontrol and audio interface circuit 80. The microprocessor 84 also turnson the speakerphone 88 circuit (a step 324), and connects the incomingphone line 116 to an FSK (frequency shift keying) signal receivercircuit 330 so as to detect the FSK signal. The guestroom telephone 20may enter the programming mode based on various criteria, such as atimed basis as described above, or based on the number of rings thathave gone unanswered. Alternately, a caller identification circuit (notshown) may provide the telephone number of the caller, and if theidentified telephone number matches a predetermined telephone number ofthe remote computer 284 (FIG. 10), the guestroom telephone 20 may enterthe programming mode.

[0082] Preferably, the microprocessor 84 will not take the guestroomtelephone 20 “off-hook” unless the remote programming feature has firstbeen enabled, as described above, and as shown in the “no” branch 308 ofthe step 307. Immediately after the telephone has been taken off-hook,the FSK signal receiver circuit 330 is activated and receives a streamof FSK data from the telephone line 116, as shown in a step 340. Themicroprocessor 84 then compares the FSK data received to a “preamble”data sequence stored in the microprocessor or associated memory 86, asshown in a step 344. If the preamble data matches, the microprocessor 84causes the DTMF generator 82 to send a handshake signal to the remotecomputer 284, as shown in a step 348. The handshake signal consists of apredetermined DTMF tone sequence, which is sent to the remote computer284.

[0083] If the FSK data is not received properly, or if the preamble datadoes not match, as shown in a “no” branch 352 of the step 344, themicroprocessor 84 turns off the speakerphone circuit 88 and disconnectsthe telephone line (a step 356) after about one second. The guestroomtelephone 20 is then placed in a “normal” mode of operation or on-hookcondition. Matching of the preamble data assures that the guestroomtelephone 20 does not “lock up,” or remain in an off-hook condition, andprevents inaccurate programming from occurring. If the preamble data wasnot received or was received improperly, the guestroom telephone 20remains in the remote programming enable mode. This permits the remotecomputer 284 to again “retry” remote programming of the speed-dial data.

[0084] After the microprocessor acknowledges verification of thepreamble (the step 348), the remote computer 284 sends the FSK encodedspeed-dial data to the guestroom telephone 20. The microprocessor 84receives and sequentially stores the FSK speed-dial data in a temporarymemory, as shown in a step 360. After all the FSK speed-dial data hasbeen received, the microprocessor 84 computes its checksum data word, asshown in a step 364. Next, the remote computer 284 sends its checksumdata word to the guestroom telephone 20 for comparison. If the checksumdata word generated by the remote computer 284 matches the checksum dataword generated by the microprocessor 84, indicating that all of the FSKspeed-dial data has been correctly received, as shown in a “yes” branch368 of a step 372, the microprocessor 84 sends another handshakeacknowledgement signal to the remote computer 284 in the form of a DTMFtone sequence, as shown in a step 376.

[0085] The microprocessor 84 then processes and stores the FSKspeed-dial data into memory or “speed-dial memory 86” of the guestroomtelephone 20, which memory is preferably the EEPROM, as shown in a step378. The speed-dial data stored in the EEPROM memory 86 locationscorrespond to the speed-dial key on the guestroom telephone 20. However,any suitable memory 86 storage device may be used. Note that theguestroom telephone 20 does not require batteries or a backup powersources because the EEPROM memory 86 does not lose data upon removal ofelectrical power.

[0086] Once the remote computer 284 receives the handshakeacknowledgement, the remote computer 284 terminates the connection, andthe guestroom telephone 20 is placed in the on-hook condition, meaningthat the call is terminated, as shown in a step 380. At this point, theguestroom telephone 20 is fully programmed with the speed-dial data andis ready for normal operation. The enable mode is then turned off, asshown in a step 381.

[0087] However, if the checksum data words did not match, indicating atransmission error, as shown in a “no” branch 386 of the step 372, themicroprocessor 84 transmits a “not-acknowledge” DTMF tone sequence tothe remote computer 284, which requests retransmission of the FSK data,as shown in a step 388. The microprocessor then discards the previouslyreceived FSK data stored in temporary memory 86, as shown in a step 392.In this case, the remote computer 284 will automatically re-send the FSKdata. After three unsuccessful retries (now shown), the remote computer284 will stop attempting to program this particular telephone, and willhang up and then proceed to dial the next telephone number in its list.Because the remote computer 284 terminated the connection in thisfashion due to data transmission errors, the guestroom telephone 20 alsoterminates its connection. However, when such a programming error hasoccurred, the microprocessor leaves the “enable ring detection flag” set(a step 394) so that remote programming can be tried again at a futuretime without needing hotel personnel to physically revisit the guestroomand reenter the key sequence to enable the programming mode. The programthen branches to the step 360 where it continues to wait for the data.

[0088] After successful speed-dial programming of the guestroomtelephone 20, the enable ring detection flag is reset, as shown in thestep 381. This may be done to avoid potential conflicts with some hotel“automatic wake-up call” systems. If the guestroom telephone 20 remainedenabled and the automatic wake-up call system calls the guestroomtelephone 20, the guestroom telephone 20 would answer after thirtyseconds, and then disconnect because no preamble data was detected. Theautomatic wake-up call system would then be “fooled” and would determinethat the guest had answered the wake-up call, when in fact, the guesthad not. Accordingly, the guestroom telephone 20 is not permitted toremain in the enable remote programming mode indefinitely or aftersuccessful remote programming.

[0089] If reprogramming is desired again, the enable key sequencedescribed above is again performed by the housekeeping staff. Althoughre-enablement of remote speed-dial programming may require a visit tothe guestroom, the enable key sequence is very simple to perform and canbe done by routine housekeeping personnel without dismantling thetelephone or removing the faceplate overlay. For example, the “star” keymay be depressed for five seconds to enable the remote programming mode.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, these figures are “screenprints” or “screen shots” of screens presented to the user of the remotecomputer 284 during the remote speed-dial programming operation. Datapertaining to the speed-dial data may be retained in a database or file450 (FIGS. 10, 11) resident in a hard disc or other storage of theremote computer 284. As shown in FIG. 14, such data may include a hotelname 452 and main telephone number, and extension numbers (not shown) ofthe plurality of guestroom telephones. Of course, this information wouldhave been entered into the database 450 prior to the programmingoperation. As shown in FIG. 15, for each extension number of theguestroom telephone 20, there may exist a screen in which to enter thespeed-dial service numbers 456 to be programmed into each speed-dialmemory key on the guestroom telephone 20 located at that particularextension number.

[0091] In operation, after the database 450 has been initially set up,the remote computer 284 may dial the hotel main number 454, and thenselect a particular guestroom extension number from the list ofextension numbers from the database 450. The remote computer 284 thenconnects to that extension number, programs the guestroom telephone 20with the remote speed-dial data, and advances to the next extensionnumber stored in the database 450. In this way, all of the guestroomtelephones are programmed. Note that the programming for each telephonenumber or extension in the database 450 may be different, meaning thatnot every telephone number or extension need be programmed with the samespeed-dial data.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 16, 17a and 17 b, FIG. 16 is a blockdiagram of the remote speed-dial programming modem 286, while FIGS. 17aand 17 b illustrate a single flowchart of the steps that may beperformed by the remote speed-dial modem 286 to program the guestroomtelephone 20. FIGS. 16, 17a and 17 b should be viewed together.

[0093] The remote speed-dial programming modem 286 includes a serialport 460, which is connected to a serial port 462 of the remote computer284. The remote speed-dial programming modem 286 also include a remotepolarity guard circuit 466, a remote hook switch control and audiointerface circuit 468, a remote DTMF generator 470 and a remotemicroprocessor circuit 472, with memory 473. The function of thesecomponents is similar to the corresponding components described abovewith reference to FIG. 12, and are given the prefix of “remote” todistinguish them from the components shown in FIG. 12. Also included isa DTMF receiver 474, which receives and processes the DTMF signals sentby the DTMF generator 82 of the guestroom telephone 20 (FIG. 12), and anFSK signal transmitter 476.

[0094] The remote speed-dial programming modem 286 is connected to thestandard analog telephone line or trunk line 116 through the remotepolarity guard 466. The FSK signal transmitter 476 is preferably a 1200baud FSK modem, which is used in conjunction with the remote DTMFgenerator 470 to effect remote communication with guestroom telephone20.

[0095] Prior to the programming operation, the software running on theremote microprocessor 472 is in an idle mode, as shown in a step 500,and remains in the idle mode until it can establish communication withthe remote computer 284, also referred to as the host computer, as shownin a “no” branch 502 of a step 504. If the remote microprocessor 472 canestablish communication with the remote computer 284, as shown in a“yes” branch 506 of the step 504, availability of a telephone line ischecked, as shown in a step 510. If a telephone line is not available,as shown in a “no” branch 512 of the step 510, the remote microprocessor472 sends a message to the remote computer 284 indicating that atelephone line is not yet available, as shown in a step 516.

[0096] If a telephone line is available, as shown in a “yes” branch 518of the step 510, the remote microprocessor 472 obtains the guestroomtelephone dialing information from the remote computer 284, as shown ina step 520. The remote microprocessor 284 then places the telephone linein the off-hook condition (a step 524) by outputting a logic high signalto the remote hook switch control and audio interface circuit 468through an “off-hook” pin 528 of the remote microprocessor 472. Thisestablishes loop current through the telephone line 116. Next, a seriesof DTMF dialing tones are produced by remote DTMF generator 470 toeffect dialing of the telephone number of the guestroom telephone 20, asdirected by the remote computer 284.

[0097] After a connection is established between the remote speed-dialprogramming modem 286 and the guestroom telephone 20, a preamble dataword is transmitted via the FSK modem to the guestroom telephone 20, asshown in a step 532. The remote microprocessor 472 then waits for thepredetermined DTMF tone sequence to be returned back from the guestroomtelephone 20 to indicate that the preamble data word was receivedproperly, as shown in a step 534. If the correct DTMF sequence is notreceived from the guestroom telephone 20 within about one minute, asshown in the “no” branch 536 of the step 534, the remote microprocessor472 determines that a programming failure has occurred, and terminatesthe connection, as shown in a step 540.

[0098] Such a failure could occur for several reasons, such as if thetelephone line was busy, if the guestroom telephone 20 did not answer,or if the call was not answered by the guestroom telephone 20 becausethe remote programming function was disabled. In any event, the remotemicroprocessor 472 sends a message to the remote computer 284 via theserial port 460, as shown in a step 544, and the remote computer 284displays the message on the screen indicating that a programming errorhas occurred. The remote microprocessor 472 then attempts tore-establishes contact with the remote computer 284 (the step 540) fromthe idle mode 500, which causes the next telephone number in the list oftelephone numbers to be dialed by sending the information to the remotemicroprocessor.

[0099] If the correct DTMF sequence or preamble acknowledgment wasreceived from the guestroom telephone 20, as shown in a “yes” branch 548of the step 534, the speed-dial programming data is then requested fromthe remote computer 284 through the serial port 460, as shown in a step554. The remote computer 284 transmits the speed-dial data to the remotemicroprocessor 472, which then transmits the speed-dial data over thetelephone line via the FSK signal transmitter 476, as shown in a step558. After all of the FSK speed-dial programming data for thisparticular guestroom telephone 20 has been transmitted, the remotemicroprocessor 472 computer computes the final check sum data word (astep 560), and via the FSK modem, transmits (a step 562) the final datachecksum data word to the guestroom telephone 20.

[0100] The DTMF receiver 474 is then activated, and if the remotemicroprocessor 472 receives from the guestroom telephone 20 the DTMFtone sequence indicating that programming was csuccessful, as shown in a“yes” branch 568 of a step 572, the remote microprocessor 472 sends asignal back through the serial port 460 to the remote computer 284indicating that remote programming for the particular guestroomtelephone 20 has been successful, as shown by a step 572. The remotemicroprocessor then terminates the telephone connection, as shown by astep 574. At this point, the remote speed-dial programming modem 286 isready to receive speed-dial data from the remote computer 284 for thenext guestroom telephone 20 to be programmed, as shown by the branchback to the idle mode 500. This continues until all of the telephonenumbers or extension numbers contained in the database 450 have beenprocessed by the remote computer 284.

[0101] If the not-acknowledge DTMF tone sequence is returned from theguestroom telephone 20 (indicating that the guestroom telephone 20 wasnot successfully programmed, step 582) within approximately one minuteof completion of FSK data transmission (the speed-dial data), as shownby a “no” branch 580 of the step 572, the remote microprocessor 472transmits a programming failure message to the remote computer 284 (astep 586). If a maximum number of “retries” has not been attempted, asshown by a “no” branch 590 of a step 592, control is passed to the step558 to retransmit the data.

[0102] The remote speed-dial programming modem 286 also checks forreception of a DTMF tone sequence indicating that the FSK data wasreceived by the guestroom telephone 20 but contained a data error. Inthis case, the remote speed-dial programming modem 286 retransmits theFSK speed-dial data to the guestroom telephone 20, without hanging up orredialing. If the DTMF tone sequence indicating that the programming hasbeen successful has not be received even after three attempts, as shownby a “yes” branch 596 of the step 592, the telephone connection isterminated (a step 598), and the remote microprocessor 472 indicatesthis failure to the remote computer 284 (a step 600). Control thenbranches to the idle mode 500. Accordingly, the remote computer 284 thenadvances to the next guestroom telephone 20 number in the database 450.

[0103] Specific embodiments of a method and apparatus for retrievingvoice messages according to the present invention have been describedfor the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may bemade and used. It should be understood that implementation of othervariations and modifications of the invention and its various aspectswill be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the invention isnot limited by the specific embodiments described. It is thereforecontemplated to cover by the present invention any and allmodifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the truespirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed andclaimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telephone system configured to be operativelycoupled to a private automatic branch exchange (PABX) system and to avoice mail system, the telephone system permitting a user to retrieverecorded voice messages from the voice mail system, the telephone systemcomprising: a telephone; the telephone having: a handset; a messagewaiting indicator configured to inform the user that the voice messageis pending with the voice mail system; a message retrieval key forretrieving the voice message from the voice mail system, and an audiospeaker configured to provide the user with audio output correspondingto the voice message; wherein a single action by the user of activatingthe message retrieval key causes the voice message to be retrieved andthe audio speaker to be automatically activated such that the voicemessage is output on the audio speaker without the user lifting thehandset.
 2. The telephone system according to claim 1 wherein the singleaction by the user permits retrieval of the voice message without theuser lifting the handset and without the user activating thespeakerphone key.
 3. The telephone system according to claim 1 whereinlifting of the handset while the voice message is output on the audiospeaker causes the audio speaker to turn off and the voice message to beplayed through the handset.
 4. The telephone system according to claim 1wherein the audio speaker is selected from the group consisting of aloud speaker, piezo-electric element, electrostatic element, tweeter,woofer, horn speaker and moving coil speaker.
 5. The telephone systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the single action of the user of activatingthe message retrieval key places the telephone in an off-hook condition,turns on the audio speaker, and causes transmission of a predeterminedsequence of DTMF tones to the PABX and voice-mail system so as tofacilitate retrieval of the voice message.
 6. The telephone systemaccording to claim 1 wherein activation of the message retrieval keycauses the telephone to transmit predetermined signals to the PABX, saidtransmission of signals causing the PABX to retrieve and transmit thevoice message to the telephone.
 7. The telephone system according toclaim 1 wherein depression of the message retrieval key causes thetelephone to transmit a sequence of audio tones to the PABX, saidtransmission of the audio tones causing the PABX to retrieve andtransmit the voice message to the telephone.
 8. The telephone systemaccording to claim 1 wherein at least one of the PABX and the voice mailsystem retrieve and transmit a stored voice mail message to thetelephone in response to receiving a predetermined sequence of DTMFsignals from the telephone.
 9. The telephone system according to claim 5wherein the DTMF signals include at least one of a flash command and apause command and wherein the DTMF signals are between twelve andsixteen digits in length.
 10. A telephone system configured to beoperatively coupled to a private automatic Ibranch exchange (PABX)system and to a voice mail system, the telephone system permitting auser to retrieve recorded voice messages from the voice mail system, thetelephone system comprising: a telephone; the telephone having: ahandset; a message waiting indicator configured to inform the user thatthe voice message is pending with the voice mail system; a messageretrieval key for retrieving the voice message from the voice mailsystem, and an audio speaker configured to provide the user with audiooutput corresponding to the voice message; wherein a single action bythe user of activating the message retrieval key automatically placesthe telephone in an off-hook condition, turns on the audio speaker, andcauses transmission of a predetermined sequence of DTMF tones to thePABX so as to facilitate retrieval of the voice message from thevoice-mail system such that the voice message is output on the audiospeaker without the user lifting the handset.
 11. The telephone systemaccording to claim 10 wherein the single action by the user permitsretrieval of the voice message without the user lifting the handset andwithout the user activating the speakerphone key.
 12. The telephonesystem according to claim 10 wherein lifting of the handset while thevoice message is output on the audio speaker causes the audio speaker toturn off and the voice message to be played through the handset.
 13. Thetelephone system according to claim 10 wherein the audio speaker isselected from the group consisting of a loud speaker, piezo-electricelement, electrostatic element, tweeter, woofer, horn speaker and movingcoil speaker.
 14. The telephone system according to claim 10 wherein atleast one of the PABX and the voice mail system retrieve and transmit astored voice mail message to the telephone in response to receiving apredetermined sequence of DTMF signals from the telephone.
 15. Thetelephone system according to claim 10 wherein the DTMF signals includeat least one of a flash command and a pause command and wherein the DTMFsignals are between twelve and sixteen digits in length.